Appearance

• Wintergreen plants are low to the ground, topping out at 6 inches in height. New shoots develop off a creeping woody stem.
  
  

Leaves

• Wintergreen leaves are glossy and dark green on top, with paler green underbellies. The leaves are smooth-edged and oval shaped.
  
  

Flowers

• During the summer months, wintergreen plants feature small trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers have a waxy feel and give way to crimson red berries in the fall.
  
  

Uses

• Medicinally, wintergreen was used by the Native Americans to cure headaches and muscle pains. Wintergreen can be used as a tea or tincture, or its oil extracted and applied directly to skin irritations.
  
  

Environment

• Wintergreen prefers a moist, shady environment and grows well in evergreen forests. Wintergreen plans are capable of withstanding cold up to -31 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Purdue University.